Vimalakirti

Evil spirits have power over fearful men but cannot disturb the fearless. Likewise, those intimidated by fear of the world are in the power of forms, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures, which do not disturb those who are free from fear of the passions inherent in the constructive world.

The Buddha

Selfish attachment brings suffering; selfish attachment brings fear. Be detached, and you will be free from suffering and fear.

From The Dhammapada, translated by Eknath Easwaran. Nilgiri Press, 2007.

The Buddha

[The bandit chief:]

Those who
for the sake of sacrifice
for the sake of wealth
we have killed in the past,
against their will
have trembled & babbled
from fear.
But you —
you show no fear;
your complexion brightens.
Why don’t you lament
in the face of what’s greatly to be feared?

[Ven. Adhimutta:]

There are no painful mental states,
chieftain,
in one without longing.
In one whose fetters are ended,
all fears are overcome.
With the ending of [craving]
the guide to becoming,
when phenomena are seen
for what they are,
then just as in the laying down of a
burden,
there’s no fear in death.

From “Adhimutta and the Bandits,” Khuddaka Nikaya, Theragatha 16.1. Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. www.dhammatalks.org. Thanissaro Bhikkhu is the abbot of the Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego County, California.

Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye & The Ninth Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje

When others take it easy and lay out their pasts and futures in their minds, think to yourself, “What are they thinking? Aren’t they afraid of death? The poor things!” Never be without this sense of urgency.